The Small Town Run Around Autism 5K in Nettleton

NETTLETON – The Small Town Run Around Autism 5K will take place at BancorpSouth on Main St. in Nettleton on April 6 at 9 a.m.

Proceeds from the 5K will go to the Autism Center of Tupelo, a nonprofit agency that provides educational and behavioral services to families and schools at low or no cost.

“Insurance companies often won’t cover anything autism-related. Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy is the main thing autistic kids need and and insurance just won’t cover it,” said Small Town Run Around 5K director Brandi Dabbs, whose son, Dawson, was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at age seven.

The Autism Center of Tupelo operates through donations, fundraising and the United Way.

“The center provides ABA therapy as well as education in advocacy. In other words, they tell me what to tell Dawson’s school and teachers so he can be better served. They base payments on a sliding scale. It changes things a lot when the cost for treatment goes from $200 an hour to nine dollars an hour,” Dabbs said.

The Autism Center serves children throughout Northeast Mississippi.

The race includes ages five and up. Each category of racers will have a first-, second- and third- place winner, as well as an overall winner.

Pre-registration forms can be picked up at Nettleton City Hall for a cost of $25 or online at racesonline.com for a cost of $28. Pre-registration guarantees a t-shirt and race packet.

Registration the day of the race is from 7 to 8 a.m. at BancorpSouth.

After the race, there will be face painting, bouncy houses, food, and arts and crafts booths.

For more information on registration, setting up a booth, or to make a donation, contact Brandi Dabbs at 231-9222.